Apr 4 LaQuet Sharnell

Singer, dancer, actor, and visionary are just a few words that describe LaQuet Sharnell, a performer who's light is getting brighter. Beginning at age 14, LaQuet studied dance in her hometown of Dallas, TX at the Booker T. Washington HSPVA, The Dallas Powerhouse of Dance, and The Centre for Dance learning ballet, modern, African, compositional studies, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and contemporary. After graduation from high school, LaQuet went on to study at the North Carolina School for the Arts and has been performing ever since. Her credits include Broadway's "The Lion King" and "Sweet Charity," regional productions of "Candide," (New York State Theatre), "Chicago" (Riverside Theatre), "AIDA" (St. Louis MUNY), "Ain't Misbeahvin'" (Gateway Playhouse), "Princess-A New Musical" (Goodspeed Opera House), "A Chorus Line" (Piano Repertory Theatre), "Nights on Broadway III" (Caesars Palace: Atlantic City), and "Footloose" (Carousel Dinner Theatre). Her television and film credits include "As The World Turns" and "Step Up 3-D" (which is currently in post-production). In addition to performing, LaQuet teaches master classes around the country in jazz, theater, lyrical, modern dance, vocal technique, and acting workshops, allowing students to learn from a true working professional. As a visionary, LaQuet is the founder of STEP Theater Company, a non-profit organization set out to bridge the gap between what is commonly seen in theater and dance companies with a collaborative work environment of Musical Theater artist. Their first production was a reading of Trey Tatum, Andrew Turtletaub, David Alpert, & Bobby Cronin's work-in-progress "Caty Bridgewater." Currently, LaQuet can be found dancing and singing up a storm in the Broadway smash hit "Memphis" (along with fellow "Adaumbelle's Quest" participants Chad Kimball, Derrick Baskin, and James Monroe Iglehart). For more on LaQuet, be sure to check out www.laquetsharnell.com.

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? I would have to say that I was most inspired by the movie "A Chorus Line." The "Bebe" character made such an impact on me. Also "The Lion King!" When I saw the show I knew that I could be on Broadway and become a concert dancer. The show made me feel like a I could do anything. Even still to this day when I see the movie and after doing "The Lion King" it makes me dream of the impossible and then it makes me want to accomplish the impossible.

2. What is the highest and lowest note you can sing? Highest note F (all the time in my sleep) and a G on a super great day when the plants are aligned. Low note D.

3. What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment would have to be when we opened "Memphis The Musical" on Broadway!! Also when the first show for STEP Theater was complete! Both moments made me feel as though I could conquer the world.

4. Who is the one person you haven't worked with that you would like to? I would love to work with Mia Michaels! She is the the most talented woman I have ever seen. I use take her class and after every class I would want to cry with all amazing-ness that she would give the class.

5. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that no one knows about? I can play the french horn. Most people think it's a dorky instrument but I think its just the most amazing instrument. Also, I'm the most decorated African American cheerleader in the country.

6. Favorite way to stay in shape? Taking as many classes as humanly possible and Bikram Yoga.